Feline Diabetes

by Margaret Schill

Diabetes is a disorder affecting the processing of glucose (blood sugar) in the body, in which a body either doesn't produce or doesn't properly use the hormone insulin. Cats can develop diabetes, just as humans can. And like humans, cats can be treated for diabetes, living a normal, happy, healthy life.

Diabetes can affect any cat, but it most often occurs inolder, obese cats. When insulin is deficient or ineffective, the cat's body starts breaking down fat and protein stores to use as alternative energy sources. As a result, the cat eats more yet loses weight. Additionally, the cat develops high levels of sugar in the bloodstream, which is eliminated in the urine. In turn, sugar in the urine leads to excessive urination and thirst. The common signs of diabetes are:

Ravenous appetite

weight loss

increased urination

increased water consumption

Diabetes is diagnosed based on the cat's signs, physical examination findings, laboratory test results, and the persistent presence of abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood and urine. Once diabetes has been diagnosed, immediate treatment is necessary. Left untreated, diabetes will shorten a cat's lifespan. A dangerous, sometimes fatal condition called ketoacidosis may develop, indicated by loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, and breathing abnormalities. Additionally, diabetes can lead to an unhealthy skin and coat, liver disease, and secondary bacterial infections.

Some cats can be treated with oral medications, while others require insulin injections. The injections can be given at home, which most cats don't even notice. The needles are super-small, with the injection given under the skin.

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Diabetic Neuropathy (decrease in nerve function often affecting the lower limbs in people and animals with diabetes)

In cats, signs of Diabetic Neuropathy are:

Weak hind legs

Feet slipping out from
under him/her on the floor

Walking down on the
hocks in back and/or on the wrists in front

Lying down more
frequently, especially after short walks

METHYLCOBALAMIN,
which is a form of vitamin B12, has shown great benefit to cats (and
people) with diabetic neuropathy and other neuromuscular diseases. It is
sometimes referred to as Methyl-B12. Methylcobalamin is not the same vitamin B12 sold in drug stores and
supermarkets. Not all vets are aware that Methylcobalamin can help cats with
diabetic neuropathy, but it does. Cats can take 1.5 to 5 milligrams per
day. Read Jasper's
Story for more detailed information on using Methyl-B12 for cats with
diabetic neuropathy.

Posts from a W. V. Cats forum user whose cat was walking on
his hocks due to Diabetic Neuropathy:

"Margaret had told me about a
vitamin to give FB when his diabetic neuropathy
got so bad. It is a B12, but not the kind you buy in the drug store. She would
have to refresh my memory on the certain kind because FB no longer needs it and
I stopped giving it to him a few months ago. When I told the vet about this B12,
he was very skeptical but said it can't hurt because it is a natural vitamin.
But oh boy did this help!!! He now walks on his toes again and if he gets bad
again with the neuropathy, I will get more and
give it to him. The vet had told me that nothing could really help the
neuropathy,
but he was wrong and he told me after he saw how it helped FB."

"Margaret,
even the vet could not believe what a difference that the B12 made in FB. I gave
it to him for about 2 months day and night and the difference was amazing!! When
I told the vet about it....I even printed out your post and research on it...he
tried his best to be gentle with me. He said not to believe everything I read on
the internet, the the neuropathy wasn't going to
go away because it is nerve DAMAGE. He asked me to email him several times a
week with a report on how FB was doing. He still didn't believe me until I took
him in for a check-up and he saw for himself. He was amazed. He did say it could
return because FB is still diabetic, but admitted
that the B12 did the trick. You will never know how grateful I am that you can
do searches like that."
_________________
Cindy

The sublingual form dissolves under the
tongue. However, cats might not cooperate with that and probably need it
administered as with any pill. This product has no salicylates,
yeast, dairy, corn, soy, wheat, starch, salt, or artificial
preservatives.

Veterinarians are seeing an increase of health problems in cats, dogs, and horses — chronic diseases, immunological illnesses, cancer, and more. Conditions thought to affect only one breed are showing up in others. This illustrated book explores the causes and treatments.

Helpful Products

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